ZAMBOANGA CITY – A total of 11,934 bags of smuggled onions seized during a series of anti-smuggling operations were destroyed on Saturday, Feb. 4, here.
The onions which have an estimated weight of 71,551 kilos were destroyed inside the compound of the Bureau of Plant Industry research center in San Ramon, Talisayan.
“Wala naman directive sa central office na for donation so automatic siya for destruction kasi hindi na ito fit for our health or for animal health (There is no directive from the central office that they are for donation so they are automatically for destruction because they are not fit for our health or animal health),” said Dr. Floralie Yeo, plant quarantine officer.
The onions were reportedly not sent to Manila to be tested for the presence of chemicals as the process will be time-consuming.
Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, who was present during the destruction, said residents in the area have been complaining about the odor of the onions.
The onions were confiscated by authorities during anti-smuggling operations on Jan. 22, 23, and 25.